NTC seeks SME comment on reducing occupational road fatalities

With work-related road crashes in Australia accounting for about 50 per cent of all occupational fatalities, the National Transport Commission is seeking comment from SME owners on a new draft strategy to improve road safety.

With work-related road crashes in Australia accounting for about 50 per cent of all occupational fatalities, the National Transport Commission is seeking comment from SME owners on a new draft strategy to improve road safety.

The National Transport Commission’s (NTC) National Road Safety Partnership Program draft strategy recognises the major role that industry can play in improving road safety in Australia. The NTC proposes that the establishment of an industry-led program to help more Aussie businesses share knowledge about how to improve road safety in the workplace could reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

Alarmingly, NTC Project Director Dr Jeff Potter says that work-related road crashes in Australia currently account for about 50 per cent of all occupational fatalities and 15 per cent of the total number of national road deaths. The draft strategy highlights that for many businesses, driving or operating vehicles and commuting to work are the greatest safety risks for their employees.

“We believe there is a significant opportunity to facilitate knowledge sharing about how to improve road safety in the workplace and to provide recognition for those businesses that do the right thing,” Dr Potter explains.

“Our research has found that many Australian businesses already have a positive road safety culture, which not only benefits the community but their bottom line as well. These businesses are eager to share their knowledge and processes, and even act as a mentor for other businesses, so that others can replicate their approaches and improve road safety.”

The draft strategy is open for comment until October 18 and can be downloaded here.

“We’d like to hear from businesses of all sizes as to whether the proposed program framework would meet their needs and hear their ideas on how to encourage more organisations to implement road safety initiatives,” Dr Potter says.

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